Unknown Number

Chance

I guess I didn't think this whole revenge thing through. I mean, I got what I wanted. Mason was embarrassed this morning, but the aftermath? I didn't think that part through. I thought being humiliated and dumped was hot gossip.

Oh, I was so wrong.

After the hallway kiss, I barely made it to class before the stares and finger-pointing started. It was like a circus. I knew Raid would make Mason jealous and uncomfortable, but I didn't think it would make people go crazy. Hell, even teachers were looking at me funny. Everyone forgot about the humiliation video. They were more interested in the kissing one.

The kiss.

Oh my God.

I kissed Raid Bennett in front of the entire school. I still cannot believe it. I knew fake dating him would need some convincing, and yes, he said he needed time to consider my proposal. I just didn't think he would actually kiss me.

I can't stop thinking about the kiss. it happened a few hours ago, and yes, it was hot. I have to admit, he was a good kisser.

The entire day at school consisted of me getting glares from girls who thought they had a chance with Ashford's bad boy. I was so happy we didn't have any classes together today.

Unfortunately, avoiding Raid Bennett physically didn't stop him from invading my thoughts every five minutes, which is why I am currently stabbing my vegetables like they personally offended me while replaying the hallway kiss for the hundredth time.

“Honey.”

I blinked, looking up from my plate to see my mom staring at me suspiciously from across the dinner table.

“Hmm?”

“You have been smiling at your food for the last two minutes.” She raised a brow.

I nearly choked.

“I was not.”

“Chance Monroe,” she pointed her fork at me dramatically, “you definitely were.”

Heat immediately rushed to my face.

Oh my God.

I quickly drank water. “It's nothing,” I said.

My mother narrowed her eyes. She's so dramatic. Like Selene. But Ma was smart. She picked up on everything. Sometimes I hate it. Like right now. I felt like a deer caught in headlights.

“Did something happen at school today?”

Technically? Yes.

Something did happen, Mom. The whole school watched me make out with Raid Bennett like we were starring in some N*****x romance movie.

But obviously I couldn't say that.

“No.”

“You hesitated.”

Jesus woman.

“No, I didn't.”

“You did.”

I groaned, dropping my head on the table. “Moooom.”

She started laughing. “Relax baby. I was just checking in.”

I raised my head to look at her. She had this playful look in her eyes. She was obviously taunting me. Though, I know she sometimes wishes I wasn't doing too much. She wants me to live a little and not waste my teenage years.

Her words, not mine.

She was happy when Mason and I got together. She finally felt I was letting my hair down. So of course the breakup and humiliation were a hit to her too. She didn't want me to roll back into my shell.

She was the best.

Which made lying to her now feel worse.

But there was absolutely no universe where I could explain Raid Bennett. Especially not the dating stuff or the kiss. My face heated up again at the memory. His hands on my waist and the way he looked at me afterwards.

God.

“You are doing it again,” Mom said suddenly, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“What?”

“Smiling at nothing.”

I quickly grabbed my glass, sipping my orange juice while looking down at my plate. She leaned forward, looking at me like she was peeling layers off an onion or unwrapping a present.

Which meant she was connecting the dots.

“Chance Diane Monroe, is there a boy involved?” she asked carefully.

I almost inhaled the juice into my lungs, eyes wide like saucers.

“WHAT?”

“There is a boy,” she said matter-of-factly, clapping her hands like she had just solved world hunger.

“There is not.”

“Honey, you almost died right now.”

I stood up quickly, grabbing my plate. “I am done eating.” I put it in the sink and made a dash for my room.

“Chance!” Mom called, laughing her head off at my reaction.

“Love you and goodnight!” I speed-walked before she could continue interrogating me. I could still hear her laughing as I escaped.

Crazy woman.

The second I shut my door, I dropped dramatically on my bed and groaned into my pillow.

This was a disaster.

A complete disaster.

My phone buzzed. I rolled over and grabbed it from my nightstand. It was a text from Selene.

SELENE — Ashford Dirty Pot just posted a picture of you and Mr. Sexy Psychopath kissing.

I zoomed in on the picture. It was clear we were eating each other's faces.

But at the same time… it felt real.

The feel of his lips on mine.

I subconsciously touched my lips, thinking about that moment. I still felt the tingles. Squeezing my eyes shut, I took a deep breath.

Another buzz broke me out of my thoughts. I checked, and it was an unknown number.

UNKNOWN NUMBER — You look cute when you are not plotting with that little head of yours.

I immediately shot up from my bed, my heart racing. There was only one person arrogant enough to send such a text, and I was pretty sure he didn't have my number.

There was no way...

Another buzz.

UNKNOWN NUMBER - Also your fake boyfriend deserves a reward for saving you. And for gracing you with my lips.

My stomach did flip-flops.

How did he get my number?

UNKNOWN NUMBER - Damn. Too stunned to reply? Am I in your head already sweet cheeks?

I could practically hear the smug smirk in his voice.

Arrogant prick.

I tossed my phone on the bed and laid back down.

But was he right though?